You DO love your baby!

I got to see some of my extended family recently at my parents' house that's on a lake, and they got to meet our baby for the first time (she's 3 months). My aunt had our baby back at the house (it was hot out) and I was out on the boat on talking with my uncle and cousins. I checked the time and told them we had to head back so I could feed Abby. I said, "well, Aunt Sharon could feed her if she wants." and my uncle looked at me funny and I said, "oh I'm not breastfeeding, I just have to get the bottle together." and my uncle is a jokester. Really funny. But he jokes and says, "oh so you don't love your baby." and he laughs. I wasn't hurt or offended by it at all because I know him, and I know he really didn't mean it. But it made me think. There is quite a stigma around how you feed your baby. It's true that breastmilk is best nutritionally for your baby, but you aren't not loving your baby if you choose formula. I had a heck of a time trying to breastfeed my baby. I was in pain, she was crying and couldn't latch. Every feeding session I dreaded and I couldn't do it. When I finally switched to a bottle, I felt great. I wasn't frustrated with my baby. I love her, I feel happier, I'm enjoying her. I was stressed, angry, depressed with all that we went through as I struggled to breastfeed (especially during covid). I pumped a lot and did exclusively pump for some time, but that too was taxing on me and our family.

I guess I'm just posting this to say no matter how you feed your baby, it doesn't indicate whether or not you love your baby. You know your baby better than anyone. And your baby needs their momma to love them and enjoy feeding them, whether it's breastmilk or formula. I don't know if this is controversial, which is why I'm posting anonymously, but I just wanted to post it to encourage you mommas who feel guilt for choosing to formula feed or breastfeed when others around you judge you for it.